2026 Style Guide
From chaebol heiresses to time-traveling heroines, K-drama wardrobes have become the ultimate style playbook. Here are 5 iconic character looks decoded into outfits you can actually wear and shop today.
March 19, 2026
K-drama fashion is no longer just a trend. It is a global style movement. Every season, millions of viewers screenshot outfits, search for similar pieces, and rebuild their wardrobes around characters they love. The styling in Korean dramas has become so influential that it shapes what sells on Amazon, Zara, and H&M within weeks of airing.
Whether you gravitate toward the quiet luxury of a chaebol heiress or the youthful energy of a time-traveling college student, there is a K-drama character whose wardrobe speaks to you. In this guide, we break down five of the most searched character looks from recent hit dramas and show you exactly how to recreate each one with affordable pieces.
For even more drama-by-drama outfit breakdowns, visit our full K-Drama Style page, and check out Spotlight for the latest celebrity-inspired looks.
Queen of Tears (2024) — Played by Kim Ji-won
Chaebol Chic Tweed Sets Quiet LuxuryStill the most-searched K-drama character for fashion two years after airing. Hong Hae-in defined the "chaebol heiress" aesthetic: structured tweed sets, monochromatic palettes, pearl accents, and an unwavering commitment to looking like she owns the building. Her wardrobe is the blueprint for understated power dressing.
Look 01
The signature look that launched a thousand search queries. A matching tweed jacket and skirt with pearl buttons, paired with pointed slingback heels and minimal gold jewelry.
Look 02
For the boardroom scenes: a structured black wool coat over a cashmere turtleneck, slim trousers, and oversized cat-eye sunglasses. The "I run this company" energy.
Pro Tip
The key to Hae-in's look is monochrome discipline. Pick one color family (cream, black, or camel) and commit head to toe. Then add a single jewelry accent. That restraint is what makes the outfit read as expensive.
Lovely Runner (2024) — Played by Kim Hye-yoon
Youthful Casual Color-Pop Layers Retro CuteIm Sol's style is the opposite of chaebol luxury: it is playful, colorful, and effortlessly youthful. As a time-traveling superfan, her wardrobe bridges 2008 retro with modern Korean casual. Think graphic tees, layered cardigans, pleated skirts, and accessories that pop. It is the look every college student wants.
Look 01
Im Sol's everyday look: a cropped pastel cardigan over a simple white tee, paired with a pleated mini skirt and canvas sneakers. Sweet without trying too hard.
Look 02
Her time-travel wardrobe: an oversized graphic sweatshirt, high-waist wide jeans, and a crossbody bag. The 2008 K-pop fan era captured perfectly.
Pro Tip
Im Sol's secret is layering. Start with a basic tee, add a colorful cardigan or vest, then finish with a fun bag or hair accessory. The outfit should feel like it was thrown together casually, even if it was not.
Boyfriend on Demand (2026) — Played by Jisoo (BLACKPINK)
Polished Office Date Night Glam Modern RomanticAs a 29-year-old webtoon producer navigating virtual dating scenarios, Seo Mi-rae transitions between polished office attire and romantic date-night looks with effortless grace. Jisoo wore approximately 250 outfits across the series, making this the most fashion-packed K-drama of 2026. The styling is aspirational yet approachable.
Look 01
Mi-rae's everyday office look: an oversized cream blazer over a fitted black turtleneck, wide-leg trousers, and a minimalist gold necklace. Effortlessly in charge.
Look 02
The scene that went viral: a floral embroidered midi dress with strappy nude heels and a mini clutch. Romantic but never over the top, the Korean way of dressing up.
Pro Tip
Mi-rae's wardrobe proves that one blazer can do it all. Invest in a well-cut oversized blazer in a neutral tone (cream, beige, or light gray) and wear it over everything from turtlenecks to slip dresses.
The Art of Sarah (2026) — Played by Shin Hye-sun
Corporate Luxury Old Money Power SuitsIn this mystery-thriller, the wardrobe IS the character. Sarah constructed a fraudulent identity as a luxury brand executive, so every outfit is a calculated performance of wealth. Shin Hye-sun's styling is a masterclass in "dress for the job you are pretending to have." Sharp blazers, silk blouses, and accessories that whisper money.
Look 01
Sarah's signature power move: an all-black tailored suit with satin lapels, a silk camisole underneath, and a structured top-handle bag. The outfit that convinced everyone she belonged.
Look 02
Camel wool coat over a cream turtleneck dress with a gold chain belt. The "I did not try but I look expensive" aesthetic that Korean old money perfected.
Pro Tip
Sarah's wardrobe teaches us that fabric quality matters more than brand logos. A simple outfit in silk or wool blend reads as expensive. Invest in one or two premium-feeling basics like a silk camisole and a structured bag rather than many cheap trendy pieces.
Undercover Miss Hong (2026) — Played by Park Shin-hye
90s Retro Street Style Dual IdentitySet in 1997 Seoul, this character has two wardrobes in one. As an elite securities inspector, Hong Geum-bo wears sharp power suits with padded shoulders. But undercover as a 20-year-old intern, she switches to colorful oversized casual outfits. Both looks are incredibly wearable right now because 90s fashion is back and bigger than ever.
Look 01
Her real identity: a boxy double-breasted navy blazer with padded shoulders, high-waist pleated trousers, and pointed kitten heels. The 90s Korean executive uniform, reinvented.
Look 02
Her disguise: an oversized varsity jacket, baggy jeans, a bucket hat, and chunky retro sneakers. The 90s Korean street style that Gen Z is now copying from their parents.
Pro Tip
Hong Geum-bo shows that 90s styling is about bold silhouettes: oversized on top, tapered or high-waisted on the bottom. The contrast in proportions is what makes the look feel intentional rather than sloppy.
Keep Exploring
This guide is just the beginning. Explore full episode-by-episode breakdowns on our K-Drama Style page, or discover this week's trending celebrity looks on Spotlight.